Mughal Krishna painting leads Oxford University sale at $183,000

Christie's auction to benefit Oxford University stars a 1680 Mughal painting of a peeping Krishna

A 17th century Mughal painting entitled Krishna Watching the Gopis Bathe will lead Christie's sale of a private collection donated to benefit the University of Oxford, which will be held on April 25 in London.

The conspicuous Krishna watches the Gopis, a group of cow herding girls famed for their unconditional devotion to Krishna

Estimated at 80,000-120,000 ($122,000-183,000), the painting originates from the album known as the St Petersburg Muraqqa, which is believed to have been taken to Iran by Nadir Shah following his sack of Delhi in 1739.

The lot is not only prized for the fantastic Mughal artwork, but also for its intricate borders and calligraphy, which were added while in Iran by the master calligrapher Mir' Imad.